Suspensions & Debarments

Persons who have been convicted of criminal violations or held civilly liable for certain acts arising from their participation in the Lifeline Program are subject to suspension and debarment from the program. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Suspension and Debarment regulations were extended to the High Cost, Lifeline and Rural Health Care programs (FCC 07-150 released August 29, 2007).

There are two stages for the FCC's suspension and debarment process.

First, when the FCC becomes aware that a person has been convicted of a crime or judged civilly liable for certain acts arising out of that person's participation in the program, the FCC suspends that person from all activities related to the program. The FCC issues a Public Notice of Suspension and Initiation of Debarment Proceedings. USAC maintains a list of persons below, who have been suspended, along with a link to the notice on the FCC's website. The notice of suspension informs the suspended person (or other interested party) that they have 30 calendar days to oppose the suspension or the proposed debarment.

The second stage of this process is the actual debarment. The FCC will, absent extraordinary circumstances, provide notice of a decision to debar within 90 calendar days of receiving any information from the person proposed for debarment. The decision to debar will become effective upon receipt of the debarment notice or publication of the decision in the Federal Register, whichever occurs first. USAC also maintains a list of persons who have been debarred from the Lifeline Program below, along with a link to the debarment notice on the FCC's website.

Debarments

The Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC) is dedicated to achieving universal service. As a not-for-profit corporation designated by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), we administer the $10 billion Universal Service Fund. With the guidance of the FCC policy, we collect and deliver funding through four programs that are focused specifically on places where broadband and connectivity needs are acute.